Crimson Peak (Limited Edition) (4K UHD Review)

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Guillermo del Toro dives into Gothic romance verging on horror with Crimson Peak. Set at the turn of the 20^th century, the film starts out in Buffalo, New York while the industrial revolution is in full swing, young author Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) is coping with literal and figurative ghosts from her past when a mysterious gentleman, Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), swoops into town to pitch a new invention to mine red clay to her father, the influential industrialist Carter Cushing (Jim Beaver). Carter at once does not like Sir Thomas and senses something off about him, but Edith takes to him, and he woos Edith. After a tragedy, Edith is whisked away to England as his bride to his and his sister Lucille Sharpe’s (Jessica Chastain) dilapidated mansion that appears to bleed and hides away secrets and ghosts of its own.

Like del Toro’s film Pan’s Labyrinth, Crimson Peak is one of darkness, light, and color. One where the female protagonist is thrust into a dark fantasy world and one where exploration can be uneasy and dangerous. Del Toro also alludes to classics of the Gothic romance and horror genres, such as Mrs. Havisham from Great Expectations or Henry James’ The Innocents as classically captured on film in a 1961 film directed by Jack Clayton and starring Deborah Kerr.

It is well worth noting the magnificent, frightening performance from Jessica Chastain who is the true standout in the film, but Tom Hiddleston also shows he is more than just the trickster Loki with this outing as well. Charlie Hunman, who plays Edith’s childhood sweetheart, is the weakest link and his Aussie accent still sneaks out through his put-on upstate New York accent. Overall, despite the middling ratings for this film at the time, I believe this is a film that will continue to grow in stature and is a marvelous testament to del Toro’s filmmaking abilities.

Purchase Crimson Peak (Limited Edition) 4K Ultra HD on Amazon.com

The Video

Crimson Peak is a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible), approved by director Guillermo del Toro. The film was originally shot on the Arri Alexa XT with Zeiss Master Prime lenses in ARRIRAW 2.8K resolution and used a 2K DI. The new 4K transfer is then an upscale from the 2K. Upscale or not, the image on this disc looks brilliant. The level of detail is superb, with extended depth of field, picking up the minutia of detritus in the air at Allerdale Hall from dust to cobwebs. Colors are brilliant as well thanks to the Dolby Vision grading. The contrast is also quite wonderfully managed, with inky blacks and extremely bright highlights. The latter may be just a little overblown in spots. Flames in the fireplaces, as one example, do not show too much nuance and gradation. This could be an over brightening of the highlights, or it could be in-camera, but this is a minor issue that takes little away from the overall presentation.

The Audio

Arrow includes an immersive DTS:X audio mix as well as DTS Headphone:X 2.0 and DVS mixes. The DTS:X mix is big and spacious, with more use of the height channels to carry the lush reverberation of Allendale Hall and a bit of height in the score. Some very slight movement in the effects of ghosts can be heard as well. The surround channels carry a bit more solid effects and the dynamics and extension into the lows is good.

The Supplements

This Limited Edition 4K release of Crimson Peak from Arrow is packed with bonus features, most previously available, but still excellent for having plenty of interviews with Guillermo del Toro and an audio commentary with the director. The limited edition contents also include an 80-page book, postcards and a foldout poster all beautifully packaged with new artwork by Crimson Peak concept artist Guy Davis.

Limited Edition Contents:

• Limited edition 80-page, hard-bound book featuring writing by David Jenkins and Simon Abrams, an archival interview with Guillermo del Toro, and original conceptual design illustrations by artists Guy Davis and Oscar Chichoni
• Limited edition packaging designed by Crimson Peak concept artist Guy Davis
• Four double-sided postcards
• Double-sided, foldout poster

Bonus Features:

• Audio commentary by co-writer and director Guillermo del Toro
• The House is Alive: Constructing Crimson Peak (1080p; 00:50:00) – A 50-minute documentary with cast and crew interviews and extensive behind the scenes footage.
• An Interview with Guillermo del Toro (1080p; 00:08:35)
• Allerdale Hall: Four Featurettes (1080p; 00:19:32):
  • The Gothic Corridor
  • The Scullery
  • The Red Clay Mines
  • The Limbo Fog Set
• A Primer on Gothic Romance (1080p; 00:05:36) – The director and stars talk about the key traits of Gothic romance.
• The Light and Dark of Crimson Peak (1080p; 00:07:53) – The cast and crew talk about the film’s use of color.
• Hand Tailored Gothic (1080p; 00:08:58) – A featurette on the film’s striking costumes.
• A Living Thing (1080p; 00:12:11) – A look at the design, modeling, and construction of the Allerdale Hall sets.
• Beware of Crimson Peak (1080p; 00:07:51) – A walking tour around Allerdale Hall with Tom Hiddleston.
• Crimson Phantoms (1080p; 00:07:02) – A featurette on the film’s amazing ghosts.
• Kim Newman on Crimson Peak and the Tradition of Gothic Romance (1080p; 00:17:36)
• Violence and Beauty in Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic Fairy Tale Films (1080p; 00:23:36) – Video essay by Kat Ellinger
• Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:04:24):
  • The Park
  • Thomas’ Presentation
  • Father Consoles Daughter
  • Thomas Sees a Ghost
  • Lucille at the Piano
• Original Trailers and TV Spots:
  • US Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 00:02:35)
  • International Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 00:02:27)
  • TV Spots (1080p; 00:01:04)
• Image Galleries (1080p):
  • Production Stills
  • Behind the Scenes

The Final Assessment

Atmospheric, scary, and just a tinge melodramatic with allusions to classic Gothic romance, but also all del Toro, without a doubt, Crimson Peak looks and sounds nearly flawless in this new 4K release from Arrow that also comes packed with bonus features and limited-edition contents. Highly recommended.

Crimson Peak (Limited Edition) is out on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray May 21, 2024 from Arrow Video

Purchase Crimson Peak (Limited Edition) 4K Ultra HD on Amazon.com

• Rating Certificate: R (for bloody violence, some sexual content and brief strong language)
• Studios & Distributors: Double Dare You (DDY) | Legendary Entertainment | Universal Pictures Home Entertainment | Arrow Video
• Director: Guillermo del Toro
• Written By: Guillermo del Toro | Matthew Robbins
• Run Time: 119 Mins.
• Street Date: 21 May 2024
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR Format: Dolby Vision (HDR10 Compatible)
• HDR10 Metadata:
  • Max. Luminance: 1000 nits
  • Min. Luminance: 0.0001 nits
• Primary Audio: English DTS:X
• Secondary Audio: English DTS 2.0 Headphone:X | Descriptive Video Service
• Subtitles: English SDH